You, and Only You

PSALM 138 

I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart;
    before the gods I sing your praise;
² I bow down toward your holy temple
    and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,
    for you have exalted above all things
    your name and your word.
³ On the day I called, you answered me;
    my strength of soul you increased.

⁴ All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O Lord,
    for they have heard the words of your mouth,
⁵ and they shall sing of the ways of the Lord,
    for great is the glory of the Lord.
⁶ For though the Lord is high, he regards the lowly,
    but the haughty he knows from afar.

⁷ Though I walk in the midst of trouble,
    you preserve my life;
you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,
    and your right hand delivers me.
⁸ The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
    your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever.
    Do not forsake the work of your hands.

You are the God of our praise, for-
     You have given graciously, and 
     You have blessed bountifully.
Not only have you given us reason to be thankful,
But you have taught our hearts to give thanks. 
We bless you, Spirit, for this work you accomplish within us.

Teach us that it is your will that we would be people of thanks.

We praise you that this, too, is not something we alone must accomplish.

You will reap thankfulness within us-

     You, and only you.

You will teach us to praise your name-

     You, and only you.

You will turn our sadness into joy-

     You, and only you.

You will reveal the true meaning and nature of contentment-

     You and only you.

Continue your faithful work within us we pray.

Amen.